By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA–Information Minister and government spokesperson Jerolinmek Matthew Piah has dismissed allegations linking Liberia’s diplomatic pouch system to the ongoing cocaine investigation at Roberts International Airport (RIA), while reaffirming the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and announcing new developments in the labor and energy sectors.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Piah described reports connecting the country’s diplomatic courier system to narcotics trafficking as false and without factual basis.
“The government categorically rejects these claims as false, baseless, and entirely unsupported by any facts,” Piah said. “Any attempt to associate the diplomatic pouch system with the ongoing drug investigation is irresponsible and intended to create confusion around a matter that remains under active investigation.”
According to the minister, Liberia’s diplomatic pouch system is strictly reserved for official government correspondence, confidential diplomatic communications, and authorized documents exchanged between the government and its diplomatic missions abroad. He stressed that the system operates under internationally recognized diplomatic protocols and is not used to transport unauthorized substances.
Addressing the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, Piah defended the administration’s handling of the investigation, emphasizing that authorities are pursuing all leads in accordance with the law.
He noted that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently suspended Samuel D. Tweah King from his position on the Board of Directors of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to Piah, the decision followed recommendations from the Ministry of Justice and the Joint Security Investigative Task Force, which identified entities and individuals requiring further scrutiny as part of the probe.
“The suspension is administrative and intended to protect the integrity of the investigation, preserve public confidence, and avoid any appearance of interference,” he explained.
Piah reiterated President Boakai’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking and ensuring that all persons connected to the case are brought to justice.
The government spokesperson also announced new measures by the Ministry of Labor aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Liberian citizens.
Under the revised requirements, employers seeking work permits for foreign nationals must first publicly advertise available positions and demonstrate that suitably qualified Liberians are unavailable to fill the vacancies.
The Ministry of Labor now requires all vacancies to be advertised through local newspapers, radio stations, and approved online platforms, including the ministry’s website, for a minimum period of 30 days before a work permit application can be considered.
Officials say the measure is intended to ensure that Liberians receive priority consideration for employment opportunities while maintaining compliance with existing labor regulations.
In the energy sector, Piah announced that the Ministry of Mines and Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Malian energy company for the development of a 50-megawatt power plant and battery energy storage system in Liberia.
The proposed project is expected to increase electricity generation capacity, improve energy reliability, and expand access to clean and sustainable power across the country.
According to the government, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Liberia’s energy infrastructure and support economic growth through increased access to affordable electricity.
Piah said the government remains committed to implementing policies and projects that promote national development, strengthen public institutions, and improve the lives of Liberian citizens.
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